1

[May/June 2005]

(a) Define capacitance.

..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) (i)

One use of a capacitor is for the storage of electrical energy.

Briefly explain how a capacitor stores energy.
...................................................................................................................................

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

...................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................[2]
Calculate the change in the energy stored in a capacitor of capacitance 1200 F
when the potential difference across the capacitor changes from 50 V to 15 V.

db
yS
aj
it

(ii)

m
pi

le

da

nd
r

ea

rr

an

ge

energy change = ....................................... J [3]

Co

For
Examiners
Use

(a) Define potential at a point in an electric field. [May/June 2002]

..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) An isolated metal sphere of radius r carries a charge +Q. The charge may be assumed
to be concentrated at the centre of the sphere.
(i)

State, in terms of r and Q, the electric potential V at the surface of the sphere.
Identify any other symbols you use.

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii)

Write down the relationship between capacitance C, charge Q and potential V.

...................................................................................................................................

(iii)

Hence show that the capacitance C of the sphere is given by

C = 40r.

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

[3]

For
Examiners
Use

(c) The sphere in (b) has a radius of 15 cm and carries a charge of 2.0 106 C.
Calculate
the capacitance of the sphere,

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

(i)

capacitance = .............................. F
the energy stored on the sphere.

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

(ii)

energy = .............................. J
[4]

For
Examiners
Use

[May/June 2003]

In a particular experiment, a high voltage is created by charging an isolated metal sphere, as

illustrated in Fig. 4.1.

insulating
column

Fig. 4.1

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

metal sphere

The sphere has diameter 42 cm and any charge on its surface may be considered as if it
were concentrated at its centre.

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

The air surrounding the sphere loses its insulating properties, causing a spark, when the
electric field exceeds 20 kV cm1.
(a) By reference to an atom in the air, suggest the mechanism by which the electric field
causes the air to become conducting.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(b) Calculate, for the charged sphere when a spark is about to occur,
(i)

the charge on the sphere,

charge = . C [3]

For
Examiners
Use

its potential.

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

(ii)

potential = . V [2]
(c) Under certain conditions, a spark sometimes occurs before the potential reaches that
calculated in (b)(ii). Suggest a reason for this.
..........................................................................................................................................

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

For
Examiners
Use

[May/June 2006]

An isolated conducting sphere of radius r is placed in air. It is given a charge +Q. This charge
may be assumed to act as a point charge situated at the centre of the sphere.
(a) (i)

Define electric field strength.

...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii)

State a formula for the electric field strength E at the surface of the sphere. Also,
state the meaning of any other symbols used.

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) The maximum field strength at the surface of the sphere before electrical breakdown
(sparking) occurs is 2.0 106 V m1. The sphere has a radius r of 0.35 m.
Calculate the maximum values of

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

(i)

the charge that can be stored on the sphere,

charge = ... C [2]

(ii)

the potential at the surface of the sphere.

potential = ... V [2]

For
Examiners
Use

(c) Suggest the effect of the electric field on a single atom near the spheres surface as
electrical breakdown of the air occurs.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

For
Examiners
Use

[November/December 2006]

An alternating supply of frequency 50 Hz and having an output of 6.0 V r.m.s. is to be

rectified so as to provide direct current for a resistor R. The circuit of Fig. 6.1 is used.
A

50 Hz

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

6.0 V r.m.s

Fig. 6.1

The diode is ideal. The Y-plates of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) are connected between
points A and B.

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

(a) (i)

Calculate the maximum potential difference across the diode during one cycle.

potential difference = V [2]

(ii)

State the potential difference across R when the diode has maximum potential
difference across it. Give a reason for your answer.
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]

For
Examiners
Use

(b) The Y-plate sensitivity of the c.r.o. is set at 2.0 V cm1 and the time-base at 5.0 ms cm1.
[3]

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

On Fig. 6.2, draw the waveform that is seen on the screen of the c.r.o.

1.0 cm
1.0 cm

Fig. 6.2

(c) A capacitor of capacitance 180 F is connected into the circuit to provide smoothing of
the potential difference across the resistor R.
(i)

On Fig. 6.1, show the position of the capacitor in the circuit.

(ii)

Calculate the energy stored in the fully-charged capacitor.

[1]

energy = J [3]

For
Examiners
Use

10

(iii)

During discharge, the potential difference across the capacitor falls to 0.43 V0,
where V0 is the maximum potential difference across the capacitor.

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

Calculate the fraction of the total energy that remains in the capacitor after the
discharge.

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

fraction = [2]

For
Examiners
Use

11

[November/December 2007]

A small charged metal sphere is situated in an earthed metal box. Fig. 4.1 illustrates the
electric field between the sphere and the metal box.

Fig. 4.1
(a) By reference to Fig. 4.1, state and explain

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

(i)

whether the sphere is positively or negatively charged,

..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................[2]

(ii)

why it appears as if the charge on the sphere is concentrated at the centre of the
sphere.
..................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................[1]

(b) On Fig. 4.1, draw an arrow to show the direction of the force on a stationary electron
situated at point A.
[2]

For
Examiners
Use

12

(c) The radius r of the sphere is 2.4 cm. The magnitude of the charge q on the sphere is
0.76 nC.
(i)

Use the expression

V=

Q
40r

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

to calculate a value for the magnitude of the potential V at the surface of the
sphere.

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

V = ...............................................V [2]
(ii)

State the sign of the charge induced on the inside of the metal box. Hence explain
whether the actual magnitude of the potential will be greater or smaller than the
value calculated in (i).
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................[3]

(d) A lead sphere is placed in a lead box in free space, in a similar arrangement to that
shown in Fig. 4.1. Explain why it is not possible for the gravitational field to have a similar
shape to that of the electric field.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[1]

For
Examiners
Use

13

[May/June 2008]

A capacitor C is charged using a supply of e.m.f. 8.0 V. It is then discharged through a

resistor R.
The circuit is shown in Fig. 5.1.

8.0V

Fig. 5.1

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

The variation with time t of the potential difference V across the resistor R during the
discharge of the capacitor is shown in Fig. 5.2.
8
V/V

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0
t/s

Fig. 5.2

(a) During the first 1.0 s of the discharge of the capacitor, 0.13 J of energy is transferred to
the resistor R.
Show that the capacitance of the capacitor C is 4500 F.

For
Examiners
Use

14

(b) Some capacitors, each of capacitance 4500 F with a maximum working voltage of 6 V,
are available.

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

Draw an arrangement of these capacitors that could provide a total capacitance of

4500 F for use in the circuit of Fig. 5.1.

[2]

For
Examiners
Use

15

[November/December 2007]

(a) State one function of capacitors in simple circuits.

For
Examiners
Use

..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) A capacitor is charged to a potential difference of 15 V and then connected in series with
a switch, a resistor of resistance 12 k and a sensitive ammeter, as shown in Fig. 5.1.

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

12 k

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

Fig. 5.1

The switch is closed and the variation with time t of the current I in the circuit is shown in
Fig. 5.2.

1.5

I/mA

1.0

0.5

10
Fig. 5.2

15

t /s

20

16

(i)

State the relation between the current in a circuit and the charge that passes a
point in the circuit.
..................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................[1]
The area below the graph line of Fig. 5.2 represents charge.
Use Fig. 5.2 to determine the initial charge stored in the capacitor.

Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
ky
a

(ii)

Co
m
pi
le
da
nd
re
ar
ra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit

charge = ............................................ C [4]

(iii)

Initially, the potential difference across the capacitor was 15 V.

Calculate the capacitance of the capacitor.

capacitance = ............................................ F [2]

(c) The capacitor in (b) discharges one half of its initial energy. Calculate the new potential
difference across the capacitor.

potential difference = ...............................................V [3]

For
Examiners
Use

17

[May June 2008]

(a) Define electric potential at a point.

..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) Two isolated point charges A and B are separated by a distance of 30.0 cm, as shown in
Fig. 4.1.
30.0 cm

ya

ak

Sh

dr
a

Fig. 4.1

Ch

an

The charge at A is + 3.6 109 C.

The variation with distance x from A along AB of the potential V is shown in Fig. 4.2.

Sa

jit

600

by

V/V

ra

ng

ed

400

le
da

10

15

20

25

30
x / cm

pi

nd

re

ar

200

Co
m

10

200

400

600
Fig. 4.2

For
Examiners
Use

18

(i)

State the value of x at which the potential is zero.

x = ........................................... cm [1]
Use your answer in (i) to determine the charge at B.

ak

ya

(ii)

dr
a

Sh

charge = ........................................... C [3]

an

(c) A small test charge is now moved along the line AB in (b) from x = 5.0 cm to x = 27 cm.
State and explain the value of x at which the force on the test charge will be maximum.

Ch

..........................................................................................................................................

Sa

jit

..........................................................................................................................................

by

..........................................................................................................................................

Co
m

pi

le
da

nd

re

ar

ra

ng

ed

...................................................................................................................................... [3]

For
Examiners
Use

19

[May June 2008]

11 A capacitor C is charged using a supply of e.m.f. 8.0 V. It is then discharged through a

resistor R.
The circuit is shown in Fig. 5.1.

8.0V

ya

ak

Fig. 5.1

dr
a

Sh

The variation with time t of the potential difference V across the resistor R during the
discharge of the capacitor is shown in Fig. 5.2.

Ch

an

jit

V/V

ed

by

Sa

ar

ra

ng

le
da

nd

re

0.5

1.0

Co
m

1.5

2.0
t/s

pi

Fig. 5.2

(a) During the first 1.0 s of the discharge of the capacitor, 0.13 J of energy is transferred to
the resistor R.
Show that the capacitance of the capacitor C is 4500 F.

[3]

For
Examiners
Use

20

(b) Some capacitors, each of capacitance 4500 F with a maximum working voltage of 6 V,
are available.

Co
m

pi

le
da

nd

re

ar

ra

ng

ed

by

Sa

jit

Ch

an

dr
a

Sh

ak

ya

Draw an arrangement of these capacitors that could provide a total capacitance of

4500 F for use in the circuit of Fig. 5.1.

[2]

For
Examiners
Use

21

[May June 2009]

12 A solid metal sphere, of radius r, is insulated from its surroundings. The sphere has
charge +Q.
This charge is on the surface of the sphere but it may be considered to be a point charge at
its centre, as illustrated in Fig. 5.1.

+Q

ya

Sh

Define capacitance.

dr
a

(a) (i)

ak

Fig. 5.1

an

..................................................................................................................................

jit

Show that the capacitance C of the sphere is given by the expression

Sa

(ii)

Ch

............................................................................................................................ [1]

le
da

nd

re

ar

ra

ng

ed

by

C = 40r.

[1]

Co
m

pi

(b) The sphere has radius 36 cm.

Determine, for this sphere,
(i)

the capacitance,

capacitance = ............................................ F [1]

For
Examiners
Use

22

(ii)

the charge required to raise the potential of the sphere from zero to 7.0 105 V.

ya

charge = ........................................... C [1]

Sh

ak

(c) Suggest why your calculations in (b) for the metal sphere would not apply to a plastic
sphere.

dr
a

..........................................................................................................................................

an

..........................................................................................................................................

Ch

..........................................................................................................................................

Sa

jit

.................................................................................................................................... [3]

ed

by

(d) A spark suddenly connects the metal sphere in (b) to the Earth, causing the potential of
the sphere to be reduced from 7.0 105 V to 2.5 105 V.

Co
m

pi

le
da

nd

re

ar

ra

ng

Calculate the energy dissipated in the spark.

energy = ............................................ J [3]

For
Examiners
Use

23

[October November 2009]

(a) Define electric potential at a point.

..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [2]
An -particle is emitted from a radioactive source with kinetic energy of 4.8 MeV.
The -particle travels in a vacuum directly towards a gold ( 197
79Au) nucleus, as illustrated
in Fig. 5.1.
gold
nucleus

Sh

ak

ya

path of
- particle

dr
a

Fig. 5.1

Explain why, as the -particle approaches the gold nucleus, it comes to rest.

aj

it

(i)

Ch

an

The -particle and the gold nucleus may be considered to be point charges in an isolated
system.

yS

..................................................................................................................................

db

..................................................................................................................................

For the closest approach of the -particle to the gold nucleus determine

le
da

nd
r

ea

1. their separation,

rr

(ii)

an

ge

............................................................................................................................ [2]

m
pi

(b)

Co

13

separation = ........................................... m [3]

For
Examiners
Use

24

[October November 2009]

(a) Define capacitance.

..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) An isolated metal sphere of radius R has a charge +Q on it.
The charge may be considered to act as a point charge at the centre of the sphere.
Show that the capacitance C of the sphere is given by the expression

ya

C = 40R

[1]

ge

db

yS

aj

it

Ch

an

dr
a

Sh

ak

where 0 is the permittivity of free space.

rr

an

(c) In order to investigate electrical discharges (lightning) in a laboratory, an isolated metal

sphere of radius 63 cm is charged to a potential of 1.2 106 V.

the capacitance of the sphere, stating the unit in which it is measured,

m
pi

(i)

le
da

Calculate

nd
r

ea

At this potential, there is an electrical discharge in which the sphere loses 75% of its
energy.

Co

14

capacitance = ................................................ [3]

For
Examiners
Use

25

(ii)

the potential of the sphere after the discharge has taken place.

potential = ............................................. V [3]

For
Examiners
Use

26

15

(a) State two functions of capacitors in electrical circuits.

1. .....................................................................................................................................
2. .....................................................................................................................................
[2]

Sh
ak
ya

(b) Three capacitors, each marked 30 F, 6 V max, are arranged as shown in Fig. 5.1.

Fig. 5.1

the total capacitance,

capacitance = ......................................... F [2]

nd
r

the maximum potential difference that can safely be applied between points A
and B.

Co
mp

ile
da

(ii)

ea
r

ra

ng

ed

by

Sa

(i)

jit

Determine, for the arrangement shown in Fig. 5.1,

Ch
an
d

ra

potential difference = ........................................... V [2]

UCLES 2010

9702/43/M/J/10

For
Examiners
Use

27
For
Examiners
Use

Sh
ak
ya

(c) A capacitor of capacitance 4700 F is charged to a potential difference of 18 V. It is then

partially discharged through a resistor. The potential difference is reduced to 12 V.
Calculate the energy dissipated in the resistor during the discharge.

Co
mp

ile
da

nd
r

ea
r

ra

ng

ed

by

Sa

jit

Ch
an
d

ra

energy = ........................................... J [3]

UCLES 2010

9702/43/M/J/10

[Turn over

16

28

(a) Define capacitance.

..........................................................................................................................................

For
Examiners
Use

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

State an expression, in terms of r and q, for the potential V of the sphere.

dr
aS

(i)

ha
k

ya

(b) An isolated metal sphere has a radius r. When charged to a potential V, the charge on
the sphere is q.
The charge may be considered to act as a point charge at the centre of the sphere.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]
This isolated sphere has capacitance. Use your answers in (a) and (b)(i) to show
that the capacitance of the sphere is proportional to its radius.

ed

by

Sa

jit

Ch

an

(ii)

[1]

ng

(c) The sphere in (b) has a capacitance of 6.8 pF and is charged to a potential of 220 V.

the radius of the sphere,

radius = ........................................... m [3]

Co

mp

ile

da

nd

re

ar

(i)

ra

Calculate

UCLES 2010

9702/41/O/N/10

29

the charge, in coulomb, on the sphere.

For
Examiners
Use

dr
aS

ha
k

ya

(ii)

charge = ........................................... C [1]

an

(d) A second uncharged metal sphere is brought up to the sphere in (c) so that they touch.
The combined capacitance of the two spheres is 18 pF.

the potential of the two spheres,

the change in the total energy stored on the spheres when they touch.

change = ........................................... J [3]

Co

mp

ile

da

nd

re

ar

(ii)

potential = ............................................ V [1]

ra

ng

ed

by

Sa

jit

(i)

Ch

Calculate

UCLES 2010

9702/41/O/N/10

[Turn over

30

17

(a) (i) State what is meant by electric potential at a point.

..................................................................................................................................

For
Examiners
Use

..................................................................................................................................

Define capacitance.

ha
k

(ii)

ya

............................................................................................................................. [2]

dr
aS

..................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................. [1]

an

(b) The variation of the potential V of an isolated metal sphere with charge Q on its surface
is shown in Fig. 4.1.

jit

Ch

200

Sa

150

by

V / kV

ng

ed

100

0.5

re

1.0

1.5
Fig. 4.1

ile
mp
Co
UCLES 2010

2.0

2.5
Q / C

da

nd

ar

ra

50

9702/43/O/N/10

3.0

31

An isolated metal sphere has capacitance.

For
Examiners
Use

Use Fig. 4.1 to determine

the capacitance of the sphere,

dr
aS

ha
k

ya

(i)

Ch

the electric potential energy stored on the sphere when charged to a potential
of 150 kV.

energy = ............................................. J [2]

ra

ng

ed

by

Sa

jit

(ii)

an

capacitance = ............................................. F [2]

energy = ............................................. J [2]

Co

mp

ile

da

nd

re

ar

(c) A spark reduces the potential of the sphere from 150 kV to 75 kV.
Calculate the energy lost from the sphere.

UCLES 2010

9702/43/O/N/10

[Turn over

6
3

A capacitor consists of two metal plates separated by an insulator, as shown in Fig. 3.1.

For
Examiners
Use

ky
a

metal plate

metal plate

dr

Fig. 3.1

aS
ha

insulator

Ch

an

The potential difference between the plates is V. The variation with V of the magnitude of the
charge Q on one plate is shown in Fig. 3.2.

Sa

jit

20

by

15

ed

Q / mC

rra

ng

10

10

15
V/V

Fig. 3.2

le

da
nd

re
a

Co
m
pi

(a) Explain why the capacitor stores energy but not charge.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [3]

UCLES 2011

9702/42/M/J/11

7
(b) Use Fig. 3.2 to determine
the capacitance of the capacitor,

aS
ha

ky
a

(i)

For
Examiners
Use

an

the loss in energy stored in the capacitor when the potential difference V is reduced
from 10.0 V to 7.5 V.

ed

by

Sa

jit

Ch

(ii)

dr

capacitance = .......................................... F [2]

Co
m
pi

le

da
nd

re
a

rra

ng

energy = ......................................... mJ [2]

UCLES 2011

9702/42/M/J/11

[Turn over

8
(c) Three capacitors X, Y and Z, each of capacitance 10 F, are connected as shown in
Fig. 3.3.

For
Examiners
Use

aS
ha

ky
a

dr

an

Fig. 3.3

charge = ......................................... C [3]

Co
m
pi

le

da
nd

re
a

rra

ng

ed

by

Sa

jit

Ch

Initially, the capacitors are uncharged.

A potential difference of 12 V is applied between points A and B.
Determine the magnitude of the charge on one plate of capacitor X.

UCLES 2011

9702/42/M/J/11

8
4

(a) Define electric potential at a point.

..........................................................................................................................................

For
Examiners
Use

..........................................................................................................................................

ky
a

...................................................................................................................................... [2]

aS
ha

(b) Two small spherical charged particles P and Q may be assumed to be point charges
located at their centres. The particles are in a vacuum.
Particle P is fixed in position. Particle Q is moved along the line joining the two charges,
as illustrated in Fig. 4.1.
particle Q

an

dr

particle P

Ch

x
Fig. 4.1

Sa

jit

The variation with separation x of the electric potential energy EP of particle Q is shown
in Fig. 4.2.

ed

by

12

14

x / 1010 m

rra

ng

10

re
a

2
E P / eV

le

Co
m
pi

da
nd

(i)

Fig. 4.2

State how the magnitude of the electric field strength is related to potential
gradient.
..................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]

UCLES 2011

9702/41/M/J/11

16

9
(ii)

Use your answer in (i) to show that the force on particle Q is proportional to the
gradient of the curve of Fig. 4.2.

For
Examiners
Use

..................................................................................................................................

ky
a

..................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [2]

Sa

jit

Ch

an

dr

aS
ha

(c) The magnitude of the charge on each of the particles P and Q is 1.6 1019 C.
Calculate the separation of the particles at the point where particle Q has electric
potential energy equal to 5.1 eV.

separation = ............................................ m [4]

whether the two charges have the same, or opposite, sign,

ed

(i)

by

(d) By reference to Fig. 4.2, state and explain

ng

..................................................................................................................................

rra

..................................................................................................................................

(ii)

re
a

.............................................................................................................................. [2]
the effect, if any, on the shape of the graph of doubling the charge on particle P.

da
nd

..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................

Co
m
pi

le

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

UCLES 2011

9702/41/M/J/11

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